Description
Spicy Pepper Jack Potato Bake is a bold, cheesy comfort dish made with tender potatoes, creamy sauce, and melty pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a satisfying vegetarian main when served with a crisp salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in cream, milk, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat until warm but not boiling.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over them, then sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh chives. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add cooked crumbled bacon or smoked sausage between layers.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
- Can be made ahead and reheated—just cover and refrigerate before final bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pepper jack potato bake, spicy cheesy potatoes, baked potato casserole, vegetarian comfort food, creamy potato bake